Importance of Fortified Foods and Supplements for Bone Health in Vegan Diets, New Study Reveals

A recent study conducted by the University of Helsinki emphasizes the significance of incorporating fortified foods and dietary supplements to maintain optimal bone health in individuals following vegan diets. The research focused on children aged between two and seven years residing in Helsinki, exploring their nutritional intake and bone metabolism markers across vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous dietary patterns.

The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, investigated how nutrients essential for bone health—such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein—are consumed and metabolized among these groups. Findings indicated that children adhering to vegan diets, who also followed recommendations for supplementing their diet with vitamin D and consuming fortified foods, generally achieved adequate levels of these nutrients. Notably, children on vegan diets had higher vitamin D intake compared to omnivorous or vegetarian groups, largely due to increased use of supplements with higher doses.

Moreover, the research observed that vegan and vegetarian adults showed elevated levels of bone formation and resorption markers, suggestive of accelerated bone metabolism. Among children, higher parathyroid hormone levels associated with plant-based diets might indicate increased bone resorption, although the clinical impact of these findings remains uncertain.

An important insight from the study is the weaker natural absorption of calcium from plant-based foods, highlighting the crucial role of fortified plant-based beverages and foods. "The widespread fortification of plant-based dairy alternatives in Finland helps ensure sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake among vegans, which is vital for bone health," explains Docent Suvi Itkonen of the University of Helsinki.

While international concerns about vegan diets and bone health exist, this study underscores that with proper planning—especially in regions like Finland where fortified foods are accessible—vegans can meet their nutritional needs. The study also points out that protein intake, mainly derived from plant sources, could influence bone metabolism and warrants further research.

The findings highlight the importance of careful diet planning, particularly for children and adolescents. When substituting traditional animal-based foods, incorporating calcium- and vitamin D-fortified options and considering supplementation is recommended. Regular consultation with a healthcare professional can support optimal bone health in plant-based diets.

Future publications from the same research project will delve into other aspects like lipid metabolism and metabolomics, further enriching our understanding of nutrition in vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous populations.

Source: medicalxpress.com